April Programs at the Augusta CareerCenter

AUGUSTA––CareerCenters, part of the Maine Department of Labor, offer a variety of services to help people find employment or upgrade skills. Each center provides several public-access computer workstations with Microsoft Office software, resume writing and cover letter software, Internet access and O’Net software for skills assessment. All CareerCenter services are free of charge.

“Although Maine’s unemployment rate has been steadily decreasing for the past few years and private sector jobs are growing, I know that many people are still looking for good jobs,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “I urge you to connect with a CareerCenter to get free help in finding a good paying job that matches your interests and skills. Our staff can help you create a great resume, practice interviewing, and improve your job search strategy. Don’t get left behind, help is here for you.”

Registration in advance is suggested, as space may be limited in most workshop sessions, and scheduled dates and times are subject to change. Phone the Augusta CareerCenter to register at 624-5120 or 1-800-760-1573, unless otherwise noted. TTY users use Maine Relay 711.

Interview Skills and Techniques – April 7, 9 to 11 a.m.

Gain the confidence needed to the ace that interview and get the job! Go in thoroughly prepared and positive you are the applicant the employer needs! Interviewing Skills and Techniques covers communication techniques, before-the-interview research, attitude and appearance, examples of questions you may be asked, what you can ask the employer, post interview follow-up, and more. Discuss all the do's and dont's and what to expect of the process.

This course, offered the first Monday of each month, is designed for the novice user and will cover the basics to get you up and running with your job search, the basics of typing a document using Microsoft Word, navigating the Internet for online job searching, and registration and understanding of the Maine Job bank.

Job Search Skills – April 14, 9 to 11:00 a.m.

It’s a competitive job market; this workshop, offered the second Monday of each month, will give you the tools you need to be successful in your job search. We will discuss strategies you can use to highlight your skills and set yourself apart from the others––it is all about marketing yourself!

Resume Writing – April 14, 1 to 3 p.m. and April 30, 9 a.m. to noon.

This workshop provides some valuable tips on applications, cover letters, resume content and format, resume writing on computers and much more. Learn why having a great resume is so important in today's job market. This workshop provides valuable tips on resume content and formatting, completing job applications, the importance of cover letters, resume writing software programs and much, much more. A well written resume can get your foot in the door, and the interview––the next step to employment.

Essentials of College Planning & Financial Aid – April 18, May 2 and 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Workshop covers the basic steps for successful college enrollment: learn about college and trade schools, entrance requirements, readiness and transitional issues of adult students, admissions procedures and financial aid. Review a typical admissions application, request admissions materials and financial aid information from prospective colleges and complete the financial aid form. To register, call 1-800-281-3703. Bring last year’s income tax forms to the appointment.

Resume Writing Work Group – April 21, 9 to 11 a.m.

Have you attended a Resume Workshop? Do you have questions about resume formatting but don't know who to ask? Do you have a list of your employers, dates of employment, and job skills for the jobs you have had in the past 10 to 15 years? If you answered yes, to those three questions, this work group is for you? During this work group, you will be at a computer to compose your resume; staff will be on hand to answer your questions.

Veterans' Networking Group – April 21, 1 to 3 p.m.

Meet with fellow veterans and discuss interesting monthly topics, share ideas and network with others. Guest speakers vary by month. Take the opportunity to share experiences with other job seeking Veterans, share a cup of coffee, and learn some new things that just might help your next career move. Please contact Doug Hudson, Local Veterans' Employment Representative, at douglas.c.hudson@maine.gov or phone 624-5156.

Job Search Tips for People with a Criminal History – April 23, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Do you have a criminal back ground? Are you having trouble finding work? Looking for tips on how to respond to those hard to answer questions? This workshop, offered the fourth Wednesday of each month, will help you become a successful job seeker.

Gateway to Employment – April 24, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

This workshop will provide you more information about the resources that the CareerCenter has to offer, including the newest tools to assist you in conducting an efficient and productive job search. Topics covered include: how to tap into the “hidden job market,” identifying the skills you have to offer employers, tips on successfully completing applications, resumes and cover letters and how to register and apply for jobs posted through the CareerCenter.

Additional Programs

Career Planning

This two-part workshop, offered 9 a.m. to noon the first and second Wednesday of each month, assists those thinking about a career change or unsure about what job would best suit their needs. It explores the different factors that affect career decisions; helps people identify interests, aptitudes and experience; discusses the tools available to research education and labor market information; and, guides people in developing a career plan. You will examine personal values, skills, and personality styles. The focus is on self-awareness in order to make better career choices. How change affects each individual is explored. Job loss and change are very much like grief. They are examined for better understanding, resulting in the positive movement forward, which you are seeking. This session introduces various career exploration resources, including written and computerized software form.

Introduction to Starting a Business – Starting in June.

Interested in self-employment? So what does it really take to plan, start and run a successful small business where you can realize the challenges and satisfaction of working for yourself? Join us for a two-hour afternoon session, to be offered the fourth Wednesday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon. Maine Small Business Development Center's Director and Business Counselor David Hill will walk you through the keys to successful business start-up and management, focusing on the business plan: What is it? Why do you need one? What can it do for you?

The CareerCenter, located at 21 Enterprise Drive #2, Augusta, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. More information is available on the CareerCenter website, http://www.mainecareercenter.com .

Maine CareerCenters are an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.